Biloxi Looking To Hire Public Works Employees

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If you are looking for work, look no more. The city of Biloxi may have just the job for you.

With contractors developing new buildings on virtually every corner, city leaders say it isn't easy recruiting new hires.

"Right now these men are helping to rebuild this city, and there is an enormous sense of pride, particularly in our Public Works Department. These men are out on the front lines every day," Biloxi Public Affairs Manager Vincent Creel said.

But the city needs more people to help keep the streets clean and the city's green areas maintained. Creel says there are 16 openings right now, and a number of reasons why they're still open.

"One of them is people are possibly jumping to the private sector where they might see jobs that pay $12 to $15 an hour."

Those contracting job may promise to pay big bucks, but Creel says the city has one big advantage - health insurance.

"The city pays for all of that. You've got free hospitalization. The city pays for your mental, dental, as well as your vision."

Creel says that amounts to about an $11,000 benefit. And those benefits have helped keep good employees around long term. Barney Hargrove has been with the city for 23 years.

"I had surgery on my leg a few years ago and I developed three staff infections, and I had to have three different surgeries. If it wasn't for the health insurance, I don't know what I would have done," Hargrove said.

From an entry level garage employee to one of the public works crew leaders, Hargrove says he's not just doing a job he loves, he's becoming a part of history.

"I'm helping the public out and I'm getting to know the public. I'm talking to them and they are telling me their stories," Hargrove said.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.